World Bicycle Day: Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Leads Nationwide Celebration With Vikrant Massey

World Bicycle Day 2026 saw large crowds at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The National Capital marked the day with a special Fit India Sundays on Cycle edition. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the event with actor Vikrant Massey, boxer Nupur Sheoran and Kannada actor Ragini Dwivedi joining the ride.

More than 15,000 people rode bicycles in New Delhi. Across India, over 4 lakh citizens cycled at thousands of locations. Rides were held from Kargil and Leh to Kanyakumari and Alleppey. Events also ran from Tripura to Vadodara on the same day.

The Fit India cycling initiative began in December 2024. It was started by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. Officials said it has now touched more than 30 lakh people. The activities have covered thousands of locations across India till now.

At Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Dr. Mandaviya and Vikrant Massey joined a friendly tug of war. The Union Sports Minister won the contest. He then cycled with participants. The crowd chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Fit India, Hit India” during the ride.

Key government and security bodies joined the day-long drives. Sports departments from several State Governments took part. Personnel from the Coast Guard, Army, Navy and Air Force cycled. CISF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB also reported strong participation at multiple venues.

Dr. Mandaviya underlined the benefits of regular cycling. He said, “Today marks the 77th edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle'. Cycling improves health and keeps you mentally fit. It also helps save fuel and keeps the planet clean. It is also an effective solution to the growing problem of traffic congestion.”

He added, “Cycling addresses many challenges at once... Prime Minister Modi has also advised dedicating at least 30 minutes daily to fitness. If we include cycling in this daily fitness routine, it can help solve many of our problems. Let us all adopt cycling in our daily lives...”

Dr. Mandaviya further said, “I expect you to join the 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative. Cycle regularly, stay fit, and contribute to taking forward Prime Minister Modi's Fit India Movement.” The Minister linked fitness, fuel savings and cleaner cities with daily bicycle use.

Many public bodies and citizen groups backed the campaign. National Cadet Corps and Agrivision members joined. Kisan Sanghs, athletes and common citizens took part. My Bharat Volunteers and Physical Education Foundation of India members cycled. Kreeda Bharati and many Namo Fit India Cycling Clubs also joined with sponsor support.

Sponsors included Heka, Fitspire, Desi Farms, Avon Cycles and Cyclofit. Various Municipal Corporations ran local cycling events. The Cycling Federation of India held Asmita tournaments only for women. The global cycling body, the UCI, also worked with the organisers on this World Bicycle Day drive.

Actor Vikrant Massey said the Sunday ride brought back old memories. For him, the event recalled childhood outings with friends. He linked the day to health in an age of long screen time. He stressed that fitness matters more than money or assets.

Massey said, “After many years, this Sunday morning brought back memories of how we used to go out with our friends during childhood. Many old memories were refreshed. Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has been very committed to this initiative for the past 1.5 to 2 years.”

He added, “He cycles daily and participates every Sunday, which is truly inspiring. It has become a movement. Today, at least 15000 to 18000 people are here, which reflects his hard work. We all understand the importance of good health.”

Massey further said, “We should ask our kids to cut down on screen time and actually go and play in the grounds. No matter how much money you earn or how many assets you build, without health, nothing matters.” His comments linked sport, family time and daily habits.

World Championships silver medallist Nupur Sheoran also joined the ride. She has two World Cup gold medals in the 80kg class. Nupur said that citizens are now more aware of fitness. She felt initiatives like Fit India have helped this change. She shared boxing tips with Vikrant Massey before cycling.

Nupur said, “The 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative is a very good one. The large crowd I saw here today shows how aware people have become about physical fitness in today's times. And cycling is truly a wonderful and enjoyable activity.” She urged people to keep time for sport.

She added, “I urge everyone to take out at least 15-30 minutes for cycling or any other physical activity every day,” Nupur Sheoran said. Triple jump athlete Prachi Tomar joined the event. National-level 3000m steeplechaser Shivani Pradhania also rode in the cyclothon.

The venue also hosted a fun zone for families. People tried badminton, chess, carrom and ludo. There was a lemon race and a ball game. Organisers ran a tug of war, a squat challenge and a push-up challenge. These activities aimed to keep all age groups active.

Fit India Sundays on Cycle is run by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Partners include the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat and Raahgiri Foundation. MY Bharat is also a collaborator. Rides are held across all States and Union Territories at the same time.

The drives cover SAI Regional Centres and National Centres of Excellence. SAI Training Centres also host rides. Khelo India State Centres of Excellence are part of the network. Khelo India Centres add further outreach. The latest edition linked these hubs with public riders nationwide on World Bicycle Day.